First Advisor

Kristofor Voss

Thesis Committee Member(s)

Kristofor Voss, Tyler Imfield, Mike Ghedotti, Daniela Rivarola

College

Regis College

Degree Name

MS Environmental Biology

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Number of Pages

86 pages

Abstract

Thelephorales fungi are considered important ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) in forest ecosystems, yet the patterns of diversity and distribution and the processes that shape them remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this research gap by conducting an exploratory analysis of Thelephorales fungi in soil and litter across various habitat types and environmental characteristics. To do so, we used data collected and synthesized by the Climush project, a multi-year, systematic sampling of macrofungal diversity across North America, that aims to assess sexual (sporocarp and spore trap data) and asexual (soil and endophyte metabarcode data) diversity and distribution in relation to environmental factors including fire disturbance. Using metabarcoding data from soil samples, Thelephorales diversity was quantified at the genus level by patterns of molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Notably, richness of these fungi was negatively correlated with nitrogen and carbon. Additionally, we observed significant species-level diversity within the genus Tomentella, supporting the concept of genus-level hyper-diversity within Thelephorales. Genus- and species-level linear regression models across habitats and ecoregions provided valuable insights into Thelephorales diversity and distribution. These models identify significant cryptic diversity in the Thelephorales associated with late-stage forest ecosystems that is not apparent in fire-disturbed habitats. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of Thelephorales life cycles and their role as EMF in terrestrial ecosystems.

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Location (Creation)

Denver, Colo.

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

Download

Share

COinS